From a very early age Scott excelled at sport - swimming, cricket, badminton, cross-country, water polo and his first love, rugby. His outstanding ability as a swimmer led him to the sport of triathlon at age 14 yrs. By 18 yrs Scott was New Zealand’s Junior Triathlete Champion - he also participated in the triathlon demonstration race at the 1990 Commonwealth Games.

At aged 20 yrs a back injury ended Scott’s promising career and he began coaching a swim squad at the Parnell Baths in Auckland. This was when he first identified the need for better quality products for athletes, and he took on the challenge to make the world’s fastest wetsuit.

After distributing other people’s wetsuits to athletes from his home and car at races for two years. Scott founded Performance Speedsuits Ltd in 1993 - from small beginnings in Auckland, he launched the ORCA business, fuelled by his belief that he could create the world’s fastest triathlon wetsuit.

Orca experienced rapid growth, focusing on the development of triathlon-specific wetsuits and apparel and a complementary range of training apparel and accessories. The brand is now sold in over 40 countries worldwide, and has offices in New Zealand; Hong Kong, and the United Kingdom. 

ORCA is an internationally recognised brand; a creator and developer of performance sportswear and is a renowned design style - Orca is inspired by nature, with its primary muse the orca killer whale and the ocean it inhabits.

16 years on Scott manages ORCA, a fast-growing business with a reputation for innovative technology and design and a staff of 30 in three offices around the world.

You’ll be inspired by his story, his passion and his dedication to growing a successful international business.

Business Success

2009 New Zealand China Trade Association Award - Best Use of Hong Kong for Business Foundation for Research, Science and Technology: Research and Development Grant
2008 Beijing Olympics: competition apparel supplier to New Zealand Triathlon, Cycling and Kayaking teams
2007 New Zealand Trade and Enterprise Market Development Grant
2006 Commonwealth Games: 70% of Triathletes Compete in Orca
2004 Official Apparel Sponsor: New Zealand Olympic Team
2004 Best Business Brand in New Zealand, Unlimited Magazine
2004 New Zealand Sport Sponsorship Awards, Winner International Sponsorship
2003 Trade New Zealand Export Award Winner - Design and Creative
2002 Industry New Zealand: Product Research, Development and Innovation \Grant
2002 Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year - Finalist: Scott Unsworth
2002 Marketing Magazine - New Zealand Marketing SME Award
2001 New Zealand Design Led Business Award
1998 New Zealand Interior Retail Design Award